Near the end of 2017, Ohio EPA amended their Universal Waste regulations to include several wastes that are commonly generated by businesses. Those wastes were hazardous non-empty aerosol containers, hazardous antifreeze and hazardous paint and paint-related wastes. The changes allowed these wastes to be managed as a Universal Waste in Ohio.
Universal Wastes are those wastes that if discarded, would have to be managed as a hazardous waste. Hazardous wastes have strict regulations regarding how they are to be collected, transported, and disposed. In order to encourage the recycling of certain wastes, Federal EPA created a less stringent set of requirements called the Universal Waste regulations. The common Universal Wastes generated by printing operations include mercury containing lamps such as florescent bulbs and several types of batteries.
When Ohio EPA proposed to add paint and paint-related wastes to the state regulated list of Universal Wastes, SGIA along with the Printing Industries of Ohio and Northern Kentucky asked that ink and ink-related wastes also be included as a recognized waste under the paint and paint-related category. Ohio EPA declined the request but did state that ink and ink-related waste would qualify as a paint and paint-related waste. They also committed to developing specific guidance on the topic. SGIA worked with Ohio EPA on the guidance and it has now been issued. It can be accessed on the Ohio EPA website.
Universal Wastes are those wastes that if discarded, would have to be managed as a hazardous waste. Hazardous wastes have strict regulations regarding how they are to be collected, transported, and disposed. In order to encourage the recycling of certain wastes, Federal EPA created a less stringent set of requirements called the Universal Waste regulations. The common Universal Wastes generated by printing operations include mercury containing lamps such as florescent bulbs and several types of batteries.
When Ohio EPA proposed to add paint and paint-related wastes to the state regulated list of Universal Wastes, SGIA along with the Printing Industries of Ohio and Northern Kentucky asked that ink and ink-related wastes also be included as a recognized waste under the paint and paint-related category. Ohio EPA declined the request but did state that ink and ink-related waste would qualify as a paint and paint-related waste. They also committed to developing specific guidance on the topic. SGIA worked with Ohio EPA on the guidance and it has now been issued. It can be accessed on the Ohio EPA website.